Avoiding the 'glasshole'

If you ever see someone standing in the corner talking to themselves as they tap and swipe at their head, they are either off their meds or they are the proud owner of a Google Glass unit. In either case it is doubtful they see any problem with the fact that they seem to be a complete weirdo.

For those of you not in the know, Google Glass is a device which has many of the same features as a smartphone, but is worn like glasses placing a small screen over the right eye. It is part of a new technology and fashion trend called “wearable tech” or “wearables” which can include everything from smart jewelry to smart watches.

Wearbles are an awesome step towards more fully integrating our digital and physical realities, however, there are some downsides. Most notably, when using a device like Google Glass in public you look like an idiot. Below is a video from Mashable accurately covering some of the he social problems caused by Google Glass as they ask, “Are you a glasshole?”

As demonstrated in the video above, one of the biggest issues with Google Glass is that those wearing it think they have suddenly become the coolest beings in the universe and as a result are seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are acting like escapees from the psych ward. But if Google Glass seems to be the path the making all of your sci-fi dreams come true, what can you do to avoid being a glasshole? To answer that question Google created a list Glass dos and don’ts just for you.

The Dos include, using voice commands to access information quickly instead of a lot of tapping and swiping, asking for permission before recording or photographing others, and utilizing Glass to explore the world around you instead of retreating from it.

Except for the fact that talking to yourself in public spaces gives the impression that you are off your meds, the dos seem fairly straightforward. However, the don’ts are where it gets interesting.

First, don’t “glass-out.” This a phenomena which occurs when users become immersed in Google Glass giving an odd impression those around them that the user is staring off into space and reacting to things no one else can see, essentially you look weird.

Next don’t wear Glass while doing sports. It is an expensive piece of equipment, so I’ll sum this point up by saying, “No duh!”

The next is my favorite, don’t wear it and expect to be ignored. Google Glass stands out and many people still have not seen it in person, so it is likely that someone wearing it will get quite a few questions and comments. Google warns them not be rude, and to “be patient” while explaining Glass’s features. Essentially, Google is asking users for some free advertising.

Finally, and I would hope this one is obvious, don’t be creepy or rude. Due to the built in camera it is easy for Google Glass wearers to take photo and video of others without permission, and because it is easy to feel smarter when you can look up information during a conversation without ever taking out your phone, you may be tempted to act like the smartest person in the room, but trust me that will not win you any friends.

In the end, if you are interested in buying Google Glass the best advice someone could give you is to use common sense. As more wearable technologies enter the market new standards of etiquette will develop, but always keep in mind that no matter how much you think you look like an awesome cyborg, you still live and interact in a human society, so act appropriately.